5 Steps To Take When Choosing A Security Company to Help Protect Your Business
Security Should Be a Business Necessity, Not a Luxury!
We know how much time, money, sweat an yes, tears it takes to start a business – we are business owners ourselves.
When creating your business plan, we are confident you created a working budget based upon projected sales and services rendered.
Whether you have a storefront, a large retail store, a restaurant or an industrial park location, security and safety should be high on your list of priorities – for yourself and your employees!
If we could wave a magic wand, we would grant EVERY SINGLE BUSINESS OWNER a state-of-the-art security system with cameras. From experience with working with many, many, many local Myrtle Beach and Maryland business owners, we know that security systems and cameras can help with staff turnover, theft prevention, training and much much more.
All of these issues cost money – so by having a security system in place, you can actually safe money!
When you are ready for a security system for your business, you’ll want to work with the best company!
Make sure the security company you are going to work with is
- local
- accessible and responsive
- using the latest technology
Here are 5 Steps We Suggest You Take When Choosing A Security Company to Help Protect Your Business
(If you are already close to choosing a company, we suggest you do 3, 4 and 5 immediately!)
1. Check Services They Offer and Talk To Their Staff
If, when you call this company, you are being treated rudely, they are not the company to go with.
If, when you call this company, you can not get any answers via phone, they are not the company to go with.
If, when you call this company, they just want to sell, sell, sell, they are not the company to go with.
If, when you call this company, they do not offer the services you request but they want to sell you something you do not need, they are not the company to go with.
If, when you visit this company, you are treated with disrespect, they are not the company to go with.
If, when you visit this company, you find their showroom lacking and their staff disinterested in you, they are not the company to go with.
If, when you visit this company, you find staff lacking in knowledge, they are not the company to go with.
BUT… if you love what you hear when you call, if you like the responsiveness of their staff, if you like what they offer – you are on the right track!
2. Ask A Local Business Owner What Company They Use
There is no better ‘judge’ than a fellow business owner when it comes to selecting the right security company. Next time you network at the Chamber or any other networking event, ask around!
Make sure to ask specific questions like
- How long did installation take?
- How many people came to install your system?
- How was the follow-up process?
- Did you receive training on your product and system?
- Are you still happy with this company and their customer service?
- Did you get good value for your money?
- Do you remember the name of the person who installed your system?
You’ll know by their answers whether you’d like to work with this company, too!
3. Check Their Online Presence, Including Online Reviews
Once you have a few names of security companies, check out their online presence.
[If they have no online presence at all – that’s a red flag!]Check to see if they have a website, a blog, a Facebook Page and reviews on Facebook, Yelp, Google+ or anywhere else.
NOTE: Not every single online review has to be a positive, 5 star review. What you are looking for is a responsive company who takes customer service seriously, offline as well as online!
4. Contact The Better Business Bureau
When you are just about ready to go and sign a contract for services, place a call to the Better Business Bureau if possible. It can’t hurt and sometimes it helps prevent you from making a huge mistake!
5. Visit Their Location
Last but not least, a lot of information can be gained from driving to (or by) the location of the security company you want to work with!
- Does this company have a sign outside?
- Do they have branded work trucks with their logo?
- Does the property look nice and inviting?
- Does this security company have a showroom?
If all the answers are YES – you are most likely dealing with a reputable and established security business!
Come Check Us Out!
If you are local to Maryland or the Grand Strand/Myrtle beach area and in need of a security system for your business (or home), we invite you to come meet us, talk to us and work with us!
Restaurant Security Systems – How To Protect Your Assets
Restaurant Security Systems
We at Strand Security, as business owners, know first-hand that opening a business is no small feat. When you open a business, it is like gaining a new family member; you want to protect it and nurture it and watch it grow. Whether it is a security company like ours, or a restaurant; the concerns we have are very similar. We at Strand Security would like to share some industry-specific tips for security systems for restaurants, as many of our customers here in the Myrtle Beach area are restaurant owners. We know there is huge competition in the restaurant industry in Myrtle Beach. Therefore, protecting every aspect of the business is important.
Having a security system, including cameras helps prevent (or catch in the act)
● Employee theft
● Customer behavior
● Vandalism
● Burglaries
● Suspicious Activity
Monitor Your Restaurant Staff
Running a restaurant is complicated!
You have staff including waiters, cooks, managers, bartenders and more.
How many staff members handle cash and credit cards? Every waiter and bartender are constantly handling your money, right?
Unfortunately, it is far too easy for money to be stolen in the restaurant business. Annual revenue loss due to employee theft can shut down a small business. That is why we highly recommend installing security cameras as a precautionary measure.
- We recommend a camera facing each cash register throughout the restaurant.
- Install cameras in the bar of your restaurant. Unfortunately, not every bartender goes by your restaurant rules. Whatever rules you’ve set for your bartenders; no to drinking during the shift and no to giving out free drinks to their favorite customers, with cameras you can monitor and then enforce your rules. Alcohol has a large markup and that is money out of your pocket if you aren’t aware of what’s going on.
- Cameras in the kitchen! Are you sure your cooks are living up to local regulations? Are they cleaning properly? Are they preparing food properly? The last thing any restaurant owner wants, is to be written up and publicly humiliated in the local paper for bad kitchen habits. That alone could destroy your business, never mind being shut down by the health department. Cameras will help enforce regulations.
Hopefully, you do not need to use the security cameras to catch your employees in acts of defiance. But when it comes down to it, it is better to be safe than sorry. You will also have proof which will help you should you need to fire someone. One more benefit; when people know they are being watched, they are less likely to act on impulses.
Monitor Your Customers
Just like you need to monitor your staff, you will also want to monitor your serving area and your customers.
- We recommend installing cameras in the bar area! Cameras may help resolve a dispute with an unruly customer, whether they had one too many drinks, or get in a fight. Having cameras in the bar area will definitely help to protect your bartender.
- Cameras throughout the dining area will help you monitor wait staff and customer alike. How often do people dine and dash (leave without paying) or steal tips left on the table? You will know exactly how often, if you have cameras. You know how they say the customer is always right; a security camera may be your only way to prove they are wrong!
Parking Lot Security
Who knows what is lurking outside after the lights are turned off and the doors are locked, right? Parking lots are scary places.
You and your closing staff will feel more secure knowing there are cameras at every angle on the outside of your restaurant, as well as an alarm system.
Monitor from Afar
Did you know you can watch your employees and customers from the comfort of your home if you have Honeywell Total Connect™? You can monitor your business, your employees and your customers on your favorite device, wherever you are.
If security systems are put in place, you will protect your investment, your employees, customers and your overall sense of well-being.
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